CUNNINGHAM
(nee McGhee)
Edith Elzaida

December 29, 1926 - August 16, 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our wife, mother, grandma, friend, and teacher - Elzaida Cunningham on August 16th, 2020 at the age of 93.
Zaida was born in Drumheller, Alberta on December 29th, 1926. Her early years consisted of school, piano and dancing lessons as well as exploring the coulees around Turtleback Farm, the McGhee family home. Her curiosity, intelligence, and love of learning led her to the University of Alberta where she earned a Bachelor of Science and Education degrees. She instilled that love of knowledge in her many students in Yellowknife, Carbon, St. Albert and various other Alberta locations. Elzaida was one of the first female science teachers in Alberta. After retiring from teaching, she spent her time quilting, gardening and with family, although she never lost her love of learning or sharing knowledge. Her quilts, whether made of blue jean or finer fabrics, were coveted throughout the family and Canada. She took up astronomy and was one of the first to witness, through a telescope, the Shoemaker-Llevy comet that impacted Jupiter. She tutored many a student through their math and sciences. She was a generous, tolerant person as all were welcome in her home and at her table. She loved to dance and good music never failed to get her moving. She could be readily identified by her beautiful smile and a stylish signature hat. Elzaida was to the end, a woman of strength, grace and intelligence. She will be greatly missed.
Elzaida is survived by her husband Chester, her children: David (Rebecca), Calvin, Carola, Bill (Judy), Mark (Debbie), Frank, Rosalie; grandchildren: Tahnis, Ceileigh, Jesse, Crystal, Sandy, Nicki, Teneya, Shani, Layla, Cora, Nina, Matthew, Anna, Melissa, Amanda; and great grandchildren: Nora, Canon, Dana, Dillon, Quinn, Charlie, Aiskiya, and Gloria; sister-in-law Jean, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and unofficial family members. She is predeceased by her parents Harvey and Lucile, all her siblings, (Verna, Calvin, Lois, Joan, Mert, Glenn and Clarence) and brothers-in-law (Ira Wisener and Stan Coad).
The family wishes to thank the many individuals at Westlock Continuing Care Center for the love and attention they provided to Elzaida in recent years. In lieu of flowers please make donations to AHS Westlock Continuing Care. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Westlock Funeral Home & Crematorium Ltd. 780-349-3474.

RANOSTAY
Joseph “Joe” Frank

September 2, 1938 - September 1, 2020

Uncle, cousin and friend, Joe passed away peacefully in Three Hills on the evening of September 1, 2020, one day shy of his 82nd birthday. His final days were filled with family who were able to share laughs and their love.
Joe was the youngest of a blended family of six, born to Joseph and Theresa Ranostay on the family farm in the Ghost Pine region of central Alberta on September 2, 1938. He grew up spending time with numerous cousins that were like siblings and was as much of a brother figure, as an uncle, to his older nieces and nephews.
He attended school at Sarcee Butte and Drumheller before returning to the mixed farming operation and to take care of Grandma and Granddad. In his youth he played fastball and slow pitch and throughout his life he enjoyed fishing in winter and summer, often spending time by the river with family. Joe always took the time to involve his nieces and nephews in the farm whenever they came to visit. Whether he was hanging a swing on a tree in the front yard, showing the spring calves and baby chicks, going for rides in the old farm truck to tour the fields or hiking in the coulees and by the creek, he always had time for family. In 2006 Joe moved off the farm into Three Hills where he enjoyed golfing, curling and bowling. Throughout the years he enjoyed gathering around the TV with family and friends to watch Bonanza, Ed Sullivan, Walt Disney, CFL football games and his Calgary Flames. His interest in farming never waned and he always asked about spring seeding, growing conditions, prices and harvest.
Joe will be remembered for his sense of humor, canned saskatoons and homemade sausages, card playing, his many dogs named Trixie and being the “chocolate Uncle” to his great nieces and nephews. A quiet, steady presence in our large Slavic family, he will be missed by us all. Joe was one of the good guys.
Joe is survived by his sister-in-law, Anne Labdik and brother-in-law Gerald Wobick, as well as his nieces and nephews and their families: Paul Labdik, John (Heather) Labdik, Anne (Al) Brunet, Mike Malaka, Cindy Malaka, Christine Malaka, Barb Ranostay, Steve Ranostay, Vicky (Brian) Brown, Barb (Terry) Belisle, Lorraine (Peter) Steenbergen and Mark (Sue) Wobick. He is also survived by many cousins and their families.
Besides his parents, Joe was predeceased by his siblings Steve Labdik, Josephine (Norm) Strong, Ludmila (Lewis) Malaka, Carl (Pat) Ranostay and Mary Wobick and a nephew, Daniel Ranostay.
In keeping with Joe’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. No flowers by request. If you wish to honour the memory of Joe, please make a donation in his name to a charity of your choice.
Kneehill Funeral Services, Three Hills entrusted with arrangements. 403-443-5111.